Mike Gibson (rugby union)

Gibson came from a sporting family, and followed football initially. He was educated at Campbell College in Belfast, then read law at Queens' College, Cambridge. His brother had also read law at Cambridge. ==Rugby playing career==

Club career Gibson played the bulk of his career for North of Ireland F.C. ("North"). While studying, Gibson played for Cambridge University. In February 1966 he played for London Irish against St Mary's Hospital. He continued playing club rugby until 42. International career Ireland Gibson's career began with Ireland in 1964 and he earned his 69th and final cap in the second and final test win against Australia in Sydney in 1979 at age 36. A versatile player, he represented his country in four different positions. Prior to moving to centre, Gibson played fly half to a high level. He was known for the perception and timing of his attacking play, the focus and anticipation of his defence and the dedication and commitment with which he applied himself across a 15-year international career in which he appeared in a then-world record 81 Tests, including five tours with the British & Irish Lions. In the 1971 tour to New Zealand, Gibson formed a midfield combination alongside captain John Dawes. The 1971 tour is the Lions' sole series victory over the All Blacks. Gibson's work commitments saw him join the 1974 Lions in South Africa as a replacement during the second half of the tour. Gibson played understudy to the new Test pairing of Ian McGeechan and Richard Milliken. and again in the 1972 Scottish Rugby Union Centenary match. Rugby playing honours Gibson was awarded an MBE for services to the game. When the International Rugby Hall of Fame was instituted in 1997, Gibson was one of the initial fifteen inductees. Upon his induction into the IRB Hall of Fame in 2011, Gibson paid tribute to his teammates, calling rugby the greatest team sport. In January 2012 Gibson was inducted into the Belfast Telegraph Hall of Fame. In an interview in 2011, Irish rugby great Brian O'Driscoll praised Gibson's contribution to Irish rugby: ''At times when Irish rugby wasn't successful Mike was always the shining light. He played international rugby for 15 years and that speaks volumes about him. He was a magnificent player and a true ambassador for the game.'' ==Professional career==

Gibson practised as a solicitor in Belfast. Fellow Irish international David Humphreys trained as a solicitor in Gibson's firm. ==Personal life==

Gibson married Moyra in 1970. They had met when he was 18 and she was 16. Their son played rugby with Gloucester, and their daughter played hockey for Ireland. Gibson also played golf. They lived in Belfast. Gibson has credited people with having important influences on his life, including his family and Ronnie Dawson. He has said that he is not sure if he would have played professional rugby. ==References==